but test all things. Hold fast to what is good.
21 Prove all things. As rash men and deceiving spirits frequently pass off their trifles under the name of prophecy, prophecy might by this means be rendered suspicious or even odious, just as many in the present day feel almost disgusted with the very name of preaching, as there are so many foolish and ignorant persons that from the pulpit blab out their worthless contrivances...
Spiritual joy in God can be constant; rejoice in Him and you have an everlasting feast, even when worldly troubles strike. Prayer without ceasing is the path to that joy. Thanksgiving in all things, even hardship, follows naturally when you pray, for you will always find matter to thank God for.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
And the very God of peace,.... Or "the God of peace himself". The apostle follows his exhortations with prayer to God, knowing the weakness and impotency of the saints to receive them, and act according to them, and his own insufficiency to impress their minds with them; and that unless the Lord opened their ears to discipline, and sealed instruction to them, they would be...